What is the status of the radioactive zinc dust shipment?

The containers of zinc dust tainted with cesium-137 remain stranded off the Philippine coast as authorities debate who should take responsibility for the cargo.

How did the radioactive contamination affect the Philippines?

Low levels of radiation were detected at the SteelAsia Manufacturing site in Batangas Province, where the shipment was reportedly sent back to. However, the PNRI has stated that the containers are not a danger to the public due to the low levels of radiation.

What is the role of SteelAsia Manufacturing in the radioactive incident?

SteelAsia, the Philippines' largest steelmaker, has denied any connection to the contaminated cargo, claiming the material was just a byproduct of steel production and that the company is not equipped to handle radioactive waste.

Home / Environment / Radioactive Cargo Sparks Controversy: Authorities Debate Responsibility

Radioactive Cargo Sparks Controversy: Authorities Debate Responsibility

28 Oct

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Summary

Shipment of zinc dust tainted with cesium-137 rejected by Indonesia
Responsibility disputed between Chinese trader and Philippine steelmaker
Steelmaker denies connection, claims it lacks expertise to handle radioactive waste

Radioactive Cargo Sparks Controversy: Authorities Debate Responsibility

As of October 28, 2025, a ship carrying containers of zinc dust tainted with radioactive cesium-137 remains stranded off the Philippine coast. The controversy began when Indonesian authorities rejected the shipment after detecting the radioactive material. The containers, originally exported by a Chinese trading firm, were reportedly sent back to SteelAsia Manufacturing, the Philippines' largest steelmaker.

However, SteelAsia has denied any connection to the contaminated cargo, insisting that the material was just a byproduct of steel production and that the company is not equipped to handle radioactive waste. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has placed responsibility on SteelAsia, but the company has rejected the PNRI's findings as "baseless."

The situation has created a standoff, with the cargo remaining offshore until a competent government agency formally assumes custody. SteelAsia has stated that it is taking legal steps to safeguard its interests and is considering consultations with foreign experts to address the radioactive incident.

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